Lifespan Imaging

Mapping of brain and behavioural changes throughout life

Capturing complex brain-behaviour dynamics across the lifespan

Our research is focused on elucidating the complex interplay of multi-dimensional, e.g. biological, physical, socio-environmental, behavioural and cognitive factors that emerge on different timescales and drive developmental cascades in individuals’ brain and body through the lifespan. The aim is to predict physical and mental health and illness, resilience and potential across the lifespan. We have established expertise and research infrastructures for detailed cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments of large cohorts and have active and elaborative national and international collaborations.

Longitudinal neuroimaging of large cohorts

Our current efforts are centred on the longitudinal assessment of typically-developing children and adolescents and healthy elderly populations, but also of specific patient cohorts suffering from multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer. We continue to expand our research to cover the entire age range and actively seek and engage in new collaborations. We use state of the art multimodal imaging techniques, and advanced imaging and data analysis methods and perform elaborative assessments of biological, physical, environmental and behavioural variables. In the HUBU project, we unprecedentedly assessed a group of children and adolescents 12 times, the first 10 of which were performed with six months’ intervals. Childhood and adolescence are critical developmental periods in human life in which several psychiatric disorders have their debut. Building on unique lifespan data from birth the LifeMabs project aims to identify factors through early life that effect personality traits, cognition and brain structure at midlife. As a new cohort of community-based elderly subject the LISA project assesses the effect of physical training on brain structure and function as well as patterns of physical activity around retirement.